Now, if you’re a fan of “Terriers,” then you’re probably going to be a massive fan of this little guy because the Lakeland Terrier is 100% packed into a tiny package! And then, when you combine this with the mischievous look that he always has about him, it’s no wonder why so many folks love to make these guys their own.
But…
Just because these guys can be fun to own doesn’t mean they’ll automatically be the “right” dog for you. Mainly, if you’ve never owned a Terrier before, this is why we wanted to take a moment and discuss what it might be like to own one of these little guys. This way, if you’re just “on the fence,” hopefully, we can help you decide.
Because the last thing we would want to happen is for the “right” dog to end up with the “wrong” owner, so, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Lakeland Terrier Dog Breed Fast Facts
Country of Origin: England
Original Purpose: Hunting vermin
Height: 14.5 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 15 to 17 pounds
Dog Breed Classification: Terrier group
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
Origin of the Lakeland Terrier Dog Breed
The Lakeland Terrier dog breed hails from the Lake District of Northern England, where these guys were just one of several different dog breeds that helped farmers and hunters hunt down vermin and small game for many centuries. During this time, these little guys have gone by a variety of different names, including the:
- Patterdale Terrier,
- Cumberland Terrier
- And the Westmoreland Terrier.
And while the breed was well known in his little area of Lake District, he didn’t become famous until 1912, when he was featured in many dog shows across the UK.
Soon after that…
A Lakeland Terrier Club was formed, and he would have a bright future from there. Unfortunately, this was right around the same time World War I broke out, significantly “dampened” his “coming out” party. Eventually, in 1921, as peace returned to Europe, the first Lakeland Terrier breed standard was developed and registered by the Kennel Club of England soon after that. Yet, the breed has never really been prevalent.
Even in the United States, the Lakeland Terrier has only ever been “mildly” famous even though they have been “officially” recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) since 1934.
Physical Characteristics
The Lakeland Terrier Dog stands at 14.5 inches. His proud, upright posture gives you the impression of always being on the verge of explosive action. He also has a very sturdy physique, topped off with a broad and flat head that slopes down from the crown to the nose in a straight line. Although this dog is relatively small, don’t let his size fool you; these guys can and often are very athletic. Many owners will describe their Lakeland as being full of energy and able to run for miles if he has to or is allowed to.
And they…
They can do this almost any way because they have a rough, weatherproof upper coat and a soft, dense undercoat. Which usually comes in one of the following colors:
- Red grizzle,
- Black and tan,
- Blue and tan,
- Red,
- Wheaten
- Or black.
Their ears are small and triangular, their eyes almond-shaped and dark, and if you’ve ever seen one up close, you’ll agree that they have a distinctively shaped long neck, narrow chest, and tucked abdomen.
Comparisons dog breeds
This handsome little Terrier may be compared to other dogs such as Fell Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, and Black and Tan Terrier. Some might say they look like a smaller version of the famous working Terrier, the Welsh Terrier. He is just as charming, effervescent, and funny. He is also brilliant and full of energy. You can’t fault him for lack of enthusiasm ever!
Personality and Temperament
The Lakeland Terrier is friendly, curious, and confident. But beware, because this little guy is also very assertive and has a mind of his own. He has one obsession in life: to go after every vermin that comes his way. He is always up to something, chasing rats like a maniac or digging the earth like his life depends on it.
He is also a very composed dog, never shy or aggressive but bold. He is not afraid to take on dogs that are much bigger than him in size. He is also a very stubborn old fellow and expects to have his way on almost everything.
Training and Socialization
Training and socialization matter and should begin as early as possible. The good news is that Lakey is a quick learner and an independent thinker. He excels in agility, obedience, flyball, and other dog sports. The bad news is socialization is slightly more complex with Lakey, as he doesn’t get along too well with other (male) dogs. He doesn’t like to be around other terriers, either. And cats? He will want to chase or attack any cat that crosses his path.
But…He loves people!
Lakeland Terrier may not like other dogs or cats but loves people. He probably considers himself to be one of us! He loves goofing around and makes for a perfect playmate for older kids. The problem is he’s not always responsive to his owner’s commands, but he is so comical that you can forgive him for anything. He is the family jester and makes everyone laugh with his antics. Such a joy to be with!
Potential Health Concerns
Lakeland Terriers are among the healthiest dog breeds out there. One of the few problems these guys seem to have is Legg-Calves-Perthes disease, which most will run a medium risk of developing. However, suppose you are interested in adopting a Lakeland Terrier. In that case, you should always be sure to only work with a reputable breeder and examine your prospective puppy’s mother and father to ensure they are 100% healthy. But even then, health issues can always arise.
This is why we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now, will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
